The federal Transportation Department has stated that it will not allow local governments to invite bargaining units to the table when seeking federal funds. This uncertainty is complicating a $1.8 billion project to rebuild the Blatnik Bridge connecting Duluth, Minn., and Superior, Wis., along with other local projects. The issue is related to project labor agreements (PLAs) in public works projects, which are often used by unions, management and project funders to boost wages and efficiency during construction. St. Louis County, a former union leader, has been torn between obeying a Transportation Department demand to lift certain union requirements and remaining loyal to its organized labor roots. The county has required PLAs in all projects since 2004, and has been following this policy since then. However, an email from Wendell Meyer, division administrator for the Department of Transportation stated that any use of a PLAs on a project without Federal Highway Administration approval will result in the project not being eligible for federal-aid funds. The last time a president issued an executive order to prevent PLAs from federally funded projects was under President George W. Bush, and President Barack Obama lifted that order, and so far, both have continued this policy.